Principal GIS Consultant — GeoAI & Spatial Intelligence in Belfast

Principal GIS Consultant — GeoAI & Spatial Intelligence in Belfast

Belfast Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Wsp In The Uk & Ireland

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and develop advanced GeoAI solutions for infrastructure and environmental projects.
  • Company: Join WSP, a leader in geospatial consulting with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make an impact by integrating AI/ML into geospatial workflows and mentoring future talent.
  • Qualifications: Strong GIS experience, Python skills, and knowledge of AI/ML applications.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

As a Principal Geospatial Consultant with WSP you will support multi‑disciplinary projects within the Geospatial team as part of the Transformation & Digital Insights service line, focusing on complex infrastructure and land projects. You will design, build, and deploy advanced geospatial solutions across infrastructure, utilities, land and property, water, and environmental sectors, developing production‑grade Python workflows, spatial data pipelines, and integrating AI/ML frameworks into GIS environments. You will act as a subject‑matter expert for internal teams and clients, translating emerging GeoAI capabilities into practical applications, shaping the GeoAI approach, mentoring junior colleagues, and driving innovation and automation across project delivery.

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop GeoAI solutions—including object detection, feature extraction, change detection, and predictive spatial modelling—using Esri tools and open‑source AI frameworks.
  • Write production‑grade Python toolboxes, automation scripts, and spatial data pipelines for ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, and SDE environments.
  • Integrate deep learning frameworks (PyTorch or TensorFlow) and ML libraries (scikit‑learn, Hugging Face) into geospatial workflows to solve client‑specific problems at scale.
  • Lead technical delivery on GeoAI project workstreams across utilities network analysis, land ownership and registry data, and water/environmental constraint modelling.
  • Collaborate with project managers and sector leads to scope, estimate, and quality‑assure GIS and GeoAI deliverables.
  • Provide technical assurance and peer review of GeoAI and GIS outputs to ensure quality, robustness, and compliance with agreed standards.
  • Produce clear technical documentation and methodology reports, and present findings to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
  • Mentor and support junior GIS analysts and developers, reviewing code and promoting best practices in spatial data science.
  • Stay current with Esri platform releases, emerging GeoAI tools, and relevant academic or industry research, contributing to internal capability development.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate

  • Strong professional experience in GIS, with a clear focus on Python development and automation.
  • Strong Python skills: ArcPy, ArcGIS API for Python, geopandas, shapely, rasterio, GDAL.
  • Practical experience applying AI/ML to geospatial problems (e.g., object detection, image classification, feature extraction, or spatial prediction).
  • Working knowledge of at least one deep learning framework (PyTorch or TensorFlow).
  • Experience with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, and File or SDE geodatabases.
  • Ability to communicate technical outputs clearly to non‑GIS audiences.
  • Degree (BSc or MSc) in GIS, Geography, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline.

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria; please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.

Principal GIS Consultant — GeoAI & Spatial Intelligence in Belfast employer: Wsp In The Uk & Ireland

WSP is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly for the Principal GIS Consultant role in the vibrant field of GeoAI and Spatial Intelligence. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, mentorship from experienced colleagues, and the chance to work on impactful projects that shape infrastructure and environmental solutions. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, WSP ensures a supportive environment where every team member can thrive and contribute to cutting-edge advancements in geospatial technology.

Wsp In The Uk & Ireland

Contact Details:

Wsp In The Uk & Ireland Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal GIS Consultant — GeoAI & Spatial Intelligence in Belfast

Dive into Geoscience Communities

Join local and online geoscience communities and forums. Places like the Geological Society of London often have events where you can network with professionals in the field. Engaging in discussions or attending workshops can really get you noticed!

Show Off Your Fieldwork Skills

If you've got hands-on experience from university projects or internships, make sure to highlight that. Employers in geoscience love practical skills. Consider creating a portfolio showcasing your fieldwork or any research projects you’ve been a part of.

Utilise Research Publications

Stay up to date with the latest research in geosciences by diving into journals or attending conferences. Not only will this make you more knowledgeable, but it can also provide talking points in interviews and even lead to job opportunities through academic connections.

Apply Directly on Our Website!

When you find a role like Principal GIS Consultant — GeoAI & Spatial Intelligence at Wsp In The Uk & Ireland, apply directly on our website! Tailor your application to highlight your specific skills and experiences in geoscience. Remember, being specific can really set you apart!

We think you need these skills to ace Principal GIS Consultant — GeoAI & Spatial Intelligence in Belfast

GIS
Python Development
Automation
ArcPy
ArcGIS API for Python
Geopandas
Shapely

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Skills in Geoscience:When you're drafting your CV, make sure to highlight specific geoscience skills and experiences. Whether it’s fieldwork, data analysis, or modelling software you’ve used, these details can set you apart. We love to see practical experience, so don't shy away from discussing any projects or research that relate directly to the earth sciences!

Tailor Your Cover Letter to Shine:Your cover letter for a full-time geoscience position should scream passion for the field! Let us know why you're excited about working at Wsp In The Uk & Ireland and how your skills align with what we're looking for. Mention any relevant coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your journey in geoscience.

Certifications Matter!:In the geoscience sector, having relevant certifications can give your application an extra edge. If you have any geological or environmental certifications, or even training in software like GIS, make sure to list them prominently. It not only highlights your commitment but also shows that you're equipped with the knowledge required for the role.

Detailed Project Portfolio:For a full-time role, it's super helpful to include a project portfolio if you've worked on significant geoscience projects. This could include research papers, fieldwork summaries, or even visual data representations. We love seeing how you've applied your skills in real-world situations, so make it easy for us to see your achievements!

How to prepare for a job interview at Wsp In The Uk & Ireland

Show Your Technical Prowess

In geoscience, you'll likely face some technical questions related to geology, geophysics, or GIS tools. Brush up on the fundamental concepts and be prepared to talk about any software you’ve used, like ArcGIS or MATLAB, and how you applied them in your previous projects or studies.

Bring Your Field Experience to the Table

If you've had any fieldwork or practical experience, make sure to highlight those experiences during your interview. Talk about specific projects where you collected data, conducted analyses, or made observations. This not only shows your hands-on skills but also demonstrates your commitment to the field.

Passion for Our Planet

As a full-time candidate, showing genuine enthusiasm for geoscience can set you apart. Think about what excites you most in this field, whether it's climate change, natural resources, or environmental conservation. Be ready to discuss what draws you to Wsp In The Uk & Ireland and how you can contribute to their ongoing projects.

Stay Curious and Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare some questions that reflect your keen interest in ongoing research or specific projects at Wsp In The Uk & Ireland. This stays in line with the collaborative nature of geoscience; it shows that you’re not just looking for a job but are genuinely interested in being part of a team that explores and solves real-world problems.